Why Support?

Qualifying for the Olympics is a very difficult task that requires thousands of hours of training and lots of rest and recovery time from the intense training.  Considering that I am picking up this sport at the age of 27 I have a lot years to make up for technically.  I have the fitness but the technical aspects of skating are a completely different animal and I need help to get to where I need to go.  With expensive equipment from skates to racing suits, ice time, gym time, race fees, traveling costs, coaching, as well as a high fuel diet required by any elite athlete doing this alone is nearly impossible.  To cope with the stresses of training twice a day, for 6-7 days a week the odds of making it while being employed is quite difficult. Therefore, I will work if I need to work in order to make ends meet but only spend on what I need to buy. 

I will be moving to Milwaukee, WI to train with some of the world’s best skaters in April 2011.  I will not have a car, I rarely go out to eat, and all my funds go to my goals.  By the time I was 15, I put my party years behind me to focus on training so I’ve never been that type of athlete to celebrate after a good meet or go out drinking after a bad one.  As soon as a goal is met, I immediately work towards the next one. 

I will be VERY TRANSPARENT with what I’m doing with all my funds and I will basically invite everyone into my daily life as a longtime VEGAN athlete to see what I’m doing with my days through facebook, twitter and fairly regular video entries.  So really, I am imposing “BIG BROTHER” on myself.  Everything from my intake of food, books I may be reading, my daily pains as an athlete…it will all be publicly accessible for everyone to see.  YOU WILL KNOW your support for me is not going to waste.  You have an opportunity to be a part of an Olympic goal of mine and I will take you with me along my journey as closely as I possibly can.  

Donations of any type will be greatly appreciated and every bit helps as few speedskaters make much of a living off their efforts.  If you own or manage a business and would like to advertise on my site, please contact me.  If you would like to be on my list of supporters then I will do that but if you would rather remain anonymous then that is fine as well.  Obviously bigger donations will be greatly appreciated but a decent number of people donating me $5-20 per month will really add up and help me get to the Olympic Games. 

Other than money…food, apparel or any other type of vegan business that would be willing to donate product will also be acknowledged on my website and I will promote your goods however and whenever possible.  The Philippines has a small but growing VEGAN community and I feel that once I have met success in skating I can help you market to what will be a large VEGAN population in a few years.  This is a team effort and I have always loved working towards something with others.  Become a part of Team Veganpotter and I will bring you to the Olympic Games with me!!!